Secure app for domestic violence victims (we need to get that checklist out of the abuser's hands!)

Save to Favorites

In order to protect the victims of domestic violence, they're encouraged to put together a safety plan. For example, this plan is made available by the National Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/DV_Safety_Plan.pdf

It's a great plan that includes important questions that need to be addressed. They help the victim plan ahead and know what they're going to do once they leave.

But look at those questions. Look at the information that's in that document: where they plan to go. What safety code words they'll use. Who could shelter them as they get to their final destination. Could you imagine what would happen if the abuser ever found that document? No matter how well it's hidden, even if it's out of the home, there's a chance that it could be found. What's more, the victim may not be free to retrieve it if their plans are suddenly changed.

There needs to be an app for that.

For victims of domestic violence, their phones can become their lifelines. It's how they contact safe loved ones. It's how they store information. It's how they communicate. If at all possible, they will have their phone with them. That's the perfect place to keep that important information, if we can do so securely and discreetly. It has to be able to store information and be easy to recall based on the specific task being referenced (as in the linked sheet).

We would like your help to develop this tool. We'll provide content and information.

As a side note, we're working on the obvious security problems related to keeping their phone. Ideally, the data will be stored server-side so they can swap out sim cards and factory reset the phone, but still have access to their information. Or if they can get another phone altogether and download the same app. On the other hand, they may trust locally stored information more than having their information kept somewhere they don't control- that's almost the same problem. I'd like to talk to you about the security and functionality implications of both solutions!

About Operation: Safe Escape

By conservative estimates, 66% of domestic violence homicides occur after the victim has decided to leave their abuser. This is a dangerous time, and fortunately many resources exist to keep them safe.

What's missing, unfortunately, is the security layer. That is, how to properly apply Operations Security (OPSEC) to hide the victim's intent to leave. That would keep a lot of people safe and help reduce that number.

Operation: Safe Escape teaches shelters and victims how to identify the behaviors and actions that would tip off the abuser to the fact that they're trying to leave and help reduce the risk until they're safely away.

About OSPA

The Operations Security Professional's Association (OSPA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides security awareness and training to a diverse audience that includes schools, government / military, domestic violence centers, private sector entities and more.